OK, you’ve made it this far! Now I want to explain what to expect once you’ve started running.
First of all, congratulations! Keep going – you’re going to enjoy yourself sooner than you think.
At first, you might feel a sharp pain in your stomach when you try to run a little longer. Don’t worry, it will go away. I know it’s uncomfortable, and for some reason, nobody talks about it. If you feel it – and I’m sure every runner does, slow down or walk until it gets easier, then continue.
In the beginning, patience is key. For about a month, depending on your condition, you should aim to run at least 2 miles every day or at least every other day. This will help you gradually increase your distance to 3 miles or more.
As your body adjusts to this level of exercise, you’ll experience what I like to call the “second wing.” This is the moment your body starts to feel stronger, your pain eases, and you realize you can run longer. This is not about running a marathon yet, it’s about building a solid base that you can grow from.
Stick with it consistently, and soon you’ll find that running feels easier, more enjoyable, and even empowering.